The main difference (as far as I know) between the two kinect sensors that you emailed me about, is that the newest one (the Microsoft Kinect sensor) has a near sensor range (meaning it can detect objects closer to the sensor than the Xbox sensor). I don't think it's a significant range though. I don't know what you're experiment is aiming to do, but you would need to decide whether or not this added functionality is worth the extra $100. Hope this helps.